Glossary+of+image+terms

**Digital Photography Glossary**


 * For a more extensive list of words, please visit the [|Olympus America Glossary]**
 * **Cropping: (Crop) C**utting away undesired portions of a captured image.
 * **Download:** Transferring data from a remote computer to the computer you are using.
 * **Export:** Sending data from a program on your computer to another camera, or device to another computer, program, camera or device. Often the data can be batch changed as it is transferred.
 * F**lash Memory:** A type of memory chip that has fast access and can be erased. Images remain safe even when the camera battery power runs out.
 * **GIF** (Graphics Interchange Format): Graphic Interface designed by CompuServe for using images on the Web. This is a 256-color or 8-bit image. Most usefull for blocks of color in line drawings
 * **JPEG** (Joint Photographic Experts Group): The accepted standard file type for image compression in digital imaging devices. JPEG uses areas of 8 X 8 pixels and compresses the information based on a set ratio.
 * **Mega Pixel** (or megapixel): The imaging term for an image sensor of one million pixels or more. The higher geometric pixel resolution sensors produce higher quality digital photographic images.
 * **PDF** (Portable Document Format): Adobe® Systems’ cross-platform file type. All computers can read PDF documents if a free reader is downloaded.
 * **Pixel:** The pixel is the smallest part of a digital image. Pixel comes from the term picture element. Also used in measuring image size. Pixels are dimensional having a horizontal and vertical size measured in microns. Their depth is measured in bits.
 * **Ram (Random Access Memory):** The volatile memory used to temporarily store information for processing. In a digital camera, RAM can be referred to as ‘on-board’ memory where images are processed before being written to the memory card. RAM is usually erased when the computer looses power.
 * **Removable Memory:** Removable picture storage cards used in digital cameras. These solid-state memory cards include Smart Media, Compact Flash, xD, Memory Stick, Pen Drive, Thumb drive, Dongle, and SD/MMC.
 * **Resolution:** The sharpness, tonal range and color accuracy of an image. The total pixel count determines the geometric resolution and tonal dynamic range of the image. The optical resolution, or lens, determines the clarity, focus and contrast of the picture provided to the image.
 * **RGB** (Red, Green, Blue): The color model of computer monitors and digital cameras. These primary colors are used to create all the colors seen on the monitor and saved in files. The color green is additionally used for contrast control.
 * **USB** (Universal Serial Bus): A standardized input/output bus found on most digital cameras. Capable of fast data transfer rates and “plug and play” operation.
 * **Viewfinder:** A small viewing window on a digital camera used to help the photographer frame the photograph. There are two main types of viewfinders:
 * **Zoom:** The magnification of one part of an image allowing the photographer to get closer to the subject.
 * **Optical Zoom**: Uses the lens to magnify the image with no effect on image quality.
 * **Digital Zoom**: Uses camera software to digitally crop and enlarge the image to the original full size. Reduces resolution and image quality.